About karen

I joined West Midlands Police in 1992, serving for 30 years and breaking barriers to become the first Black female Superintendent in the force’s history. As one of only a handful of Black female officers throughout my career, I overcame systemic challenges to lead with integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to driving organisational change.

Throughout my service, I was a visible role model and active Diversity Champion, using my lived experience to challenge, influence, and shape a more inclusive culture within policing. I was a trusted voice on race and equity, providing both strategic insight and accountability to ensure policing better served Black communities. As former chair of the WMP Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) and a National BPA cabinet member, I celebrated Black talent, championed cultural awareness, and developed initiatives to bridge the gap between communities and policing.

I became known as a problem solver, influencing critical incident responses and guiding leadership through institutional challenges. My ability to deliver tactical and strategic solutions led to me chairing cross-agency boards, leading major reviews, and advising on systemic reforms. My experience includes conducting high-profile institutional reviews, such as a 30-year analysis of race-related cases within a fire service, providing key recommendations to shape long-term change.

In 2022, I was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM)—the first Black female officer in West Midlands Police to receive this honour. I was also recognised with the Inspirational Leaders Award at the National Ethnicity Awards in 2019.

I am a sought-after public speaker, delivering keynote speeches and bespoke training on leadership, inclusion, and institutional change. I have designed and delivered Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training for new officers through Police Now, equipping recruits with the skills to navigate diverse communities and challenge bias.

My passion for mentoring and empowering others led me to design the HEAL programme, focused on History, Empower, Action, and Legacy, which has been instrumental in developing leadership representation among minority groups.

After leaving policing, my commitment to influencing positive change continues. I founded The Thin Black Line to work with organisations, reducing disparities affecting the Black community and building stronger, more inclusive institutions. Through strategic reviews, training, and leadership development, I help organisations navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable change.

'If not you, then who?'